Blue Eclipse Book Ii: Dance of Three Roses

By Patrick Joseph

A poetic story rhyme that is a compilation of scripted youthful times. Within these pages is a shard from a greater story that chronicles the legacy of characters meant for the entertainment, each individually purposed for a grand design.
And as the wheels of fate turn, each character will play their part, unable to understand the greater role they partake in within the great theatrics of the world play.
Each figure within this are pulled from historical sources, past and present, with subtle liberties to flesh out the true nature of their character.
So as disparate destined paths cross into the other and intersect, the fiery ambition they posses will become their sword while the purity of their immortal soul will become their shield, individually designed to protect a sincere dream, while defending their outer shell from being torn away from this mortal coil.
And as each soul delves beyond the grip of the unfamiliar of their opening acts, a threshold would demand to be crossed as they individually, with warm hearts and open minds, yearn for meaning, as they individually await a glimpse of their true purpose, escaping the confines of ephemeral restraints to push to a space that exists beyond sight.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Nov 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9781663206343

Patrick Joseph

Born into destitution and lives a life of penury, I, Patrick Joseph-Journalist Paige, is a military veteran that has seen explosive combat, suffered insurmountable loss, and toured various corners of the world while absorbing a harsh reality and embracing the serene beauty hidden within it all.

Book preview

BLUE ECLIPSE

Dance of Three Roses

BOOK II

PATRICK JOSEPH

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BLUE ECLIPSE BOOK 2

DANCE OF THREE ROSES

Copyright © 2020 Patrick Joseph.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-6632-0633-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-0635-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-0634-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020916997

iUniverse rev. date: 10/23/2020

CONTENTS

C9 XXXVIII Silent Waltz beyond the Legacy: Blue Eclipse Green Veil PJ

A Silent Waltz Beyond the Veil Legacy: Blue Eclipse An out World Exodus

C9 PJ Silent Waltz beyond the Legacy: Blue Eclipse Green Veil II

Hunters In The Dark Mortal Dictate

Hunters In The Dark Mortal Dictate

A Waltz Beyond the Veil

A Waltz Beyond the Veil

C9 II Silent Waltz beyond the Legacy: Blue Eclipse Green Veil III

A Talk Through Dreams Legacy: Blue Eclipse A Talk Amongst Friends

Hunters In The Dark Mortal Dictate

C9 III Silent Waltz beyond the Legacy: Blue Eclipse Green Veil IV

Beyond a Veiled Past

A Talk Amongst Friends of Days Remembered

C9 IV Silent Waltz beyond the Legacy: Blue Eclipse Green Veil V

Hunters In The Dark Mortal Dictate 2

C9 V Silent Waltz beyond the Legacy: Blue Eclipse Green Veil VI

A Silent Waltz Beyond the Green Veil Legacy: Blue Eclipse An out World Exodus just the two of them a Promise a Prayer 2

C9 VI Silent Waltz Legacy: Blue Eclipse Green Veil VII

C9 VII Memories within a Memory Legacy: Blue Eclipse of a Phantom VeillPain PJ

Distant Memories of Tomorrow’s Courage A Story Told by the Stars

C9 VIII Memories within a Memory Legacy: Blue Eclipse of a Phantom VeillPain II

A Memory Within A Memory A step backwards Into the thresholds Of a Phantom Pain

C9 IX Memories within a Memory Legacy: Blue Eclipse of a Phantom VeillPain III

A Memory Within A Memory Beyond the thresholds Of a Phantom Pain

C9 X Memories Legacy: Blue Eclipse of a Phantom VeillPain IV

A Time Upon A Time

A Time Upon A Time II

A Legacy

C9 XI Memories within a Memory Legacy: Blue Eclipse of a Phantom VeillPain V

Distant Memories of Tomorrow’s Courage A Story Told by the Stars II

C9 XII Memories Legacy: Blue Eclipse of a Phantom VeillPain VI

Hunters In The Dark Mortal Dictate

C9 XIII Memories Legacy: Blue Eclipse of a Phantom VeillPain VII

Hunters In The Dark Orphans of Daken lost Child of the OD

C9 XIV Memories Legacy: Blue Eclipse of a Phantom VeillPain VIII

Just The Two of Them A Prayer from here to eternitY

Just The Two of Them A Prayer from here to eternity II

C9 XV Into The Wild Legacy: Blue~Eclipse Exodus PJ

C9 XVI Into The Wild Legacy: Blue~Eclipse Exodus II

C9 XVII Into The Wild Legacy: Blue~Eclipse Path of the Fearless King  I Exodus III

C9 XVIII Into The Wild of an Out~World Legacy: Blue~Eclipse Path of the Fearless King  II Exodus IV

C9 XIX the Bleeding Edge of Of The Blue~Eclipse the Awakened Spirit  JP PJ

Path of the Fearless King Edge of the Soul III

Path of the Fearless King Soul of the Bear IV

Path of the Fearless King Soul of the Fox V

Path of the Fearless King Soul of the Boar VI

Path of the Fearless King Soul of the Hawk VII

C9 XX Memories of Blue~Eclipse Dust and Dreams ST3: Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou PJ

C9 XXI Memories of Blue~Eclipse Dust and Dreams A Stroll into the Savage Storm II

C9 XXII Memories of Blue~Eclipse Dust and Dreams A Stroll into the Savage Storm III

C9 XXIII Memories of Blue~Eclipse Dust and Dreams A Stroll into the Savage Storm IV

Eternity of Dreamt Twilight Edge of the Soul PJ

Dreamt Twilight of Eternity Edge of the Soul II

C9 XXIV the Bleeding Edge of Of The Blue~Eclipse the Awakened Spirit  II PJ

Dreamt Ethereal Ascension Edge of the Soul III

C9 XXV Memories of Blue~Eclipse Dust and Dreams A Stroll into the Savage Storm V

Path of the Fearless King Edge of the Soul IV

C9 XXVI Children of the Blue~Eclipse Sunless Realm PJ

Path of the Fearless King Edge of the Soul V

C9 XXVII Children of the Blue~Eclipse Sunless Realm II

Screams of Sinful Savages Edge of the Soul PJ

C9 XXVIII Children of the Blue~Eclipse Sunless Realm II

Screams of Sinful Savages Edge of the Soul II

C9 XXIX the Bleeding Edge of Of The Blue~Eclipse the Awakened Spirit  III PJ C9 XXX Children of the Blue~Eclipse Sunless Realm III

Screams of Sinful Savages Edge of the Soul IV

C9 XXXI Children of the Blue~Eclipse Sunless Realm IV

Screams of Sinful Savages Edge of the Soul V

Memory of Dust & Dreams Edge of the Soul VI

C9 XXXII the Bleeding Edge of Of The Blue~Eclipse the Awakened Spirit  IV PJ

C9 XXXIII Children of the Blue~Eclipse Sunless Realm V

Memory of Dust & Dreams Edge of the Soul VII

C9 XXXIV Children of the Blue~Eclipse Sunless Realm VI

A World Will Tremble Edge of the Soul VIII

A Prayer of Rebellion Edge of the Soul IX

C9 XXXV Children of the Blue~Eclipse Sunless Realm VII

Prayers to Who Will Listen Edge of the Soul X

Awakened to the Truth Beyond the Soul PJ

C9 XXXVI Blue~Eclipse Sunless Realm VIII

Awakened to the Truth Beyond the Soul II

C9 XXXVII the Bleeding Edge of Of The Blue~Eclipse the Awakened Spirit  V PJ

C9 XXXVIII Children of the Blue~Eclipse Sunless Realm A Soul Edge Rebellion  JP IX

Celestial Sentry Awakened Beyond the Soul III

Rise of Rebellion Beyond the Soul IV

C9 XXXIX Children of the Blue~Eclipse Sunless Realm Bleeding Edge of the Soul  JP X

Rise of Rebellion Beyond the Soul V

C9 XL the Bleeding Edge of Of The Blue~Eclipse the Awakened Spirit  VI PJ

C9 XLI the Bleeding Edge of Of The Blue~Eclipse the Awakened Spirit  VII PJ

C9 XLII Children of the Blue~Eclipse Sunless Realm Bleeding Edge of the Soul  II PJ

ST3: Ahead on Our Way Beyond the Soul V

C9 XLIII Children of the Blue~Eclipse Sunless Realm Bleeding Edge of the Soul  III II

Ahead on Our Way Dusk of War PJ

C9 XLIV One Step From Eden Blue~Eclipse Seijin No Hi PJ

Seijin No Hi Heart of a Soul PJ

C9 PJ One Step From Eden Blue~Eclipse Seijin No Hi II

Pathos for a King Heart of a Soul II

C9 II One Step From Eden Blue~Eclipse Seijin No Hi III

From Here to Eternity Heart of a Soul III

C9 III One Step From Eden Blue~Eclipse Seijin No Hi IV

Beyond Eternity to Here Heart of a Soul IV

C9 IV Curse~X~Blessing Blue~Eclipse New Dawn PJ

Children of the Sun Reflections

Reflections of Memories II

Reflections of Celebrations III

Reflections of Celebrations IV

C9 V One Step From Eden Blue~Eclipse Seijin No Hi V

Reflections of Glory Kenka Ultra PJ

C9 VI One Step From Eden Blue~Eclipse Seijin No Hi VI

KMFDM: Reflections of Victory Kenka Ultra II

C9 VII One Step From Eden Blue~Eclipse Seijin No Hi VII

KMFDM: Reflections of Victory Kenka Ultra III

C9 VIII One Step From Eden Blue~Eclipse New World PJ

Reflections of Victory Glory Road IV

Reflections of Victory Hearts of Iron V

C9 IX Dawn of a tthe Blue~Eclipset New Day PJ

St: Who Will Know ~ Lost Oasis Reflections PJ

C9 X the Bleeding Edge of Of The Blue~Eclipse the Awakened Spirit  VIII PJ

St: Who Will Know ~ Lost Oasis Last Oasis II

C9 XI

St: Who Will Know ~ Lost Oasis Last Oasis III

C9 XII

St: Who Will Know ~ Lost Oasis Celestial War IV

C9 XIII the Bleeding Edge of Of The Blue~Eclipse the Awakened Spirit  IX PJ

St: Night Hawk DMCB~Lost Oasis Celestial War V

C9 XIV

St: Night Hawk DMCB~Lost Oasis Celestial War VI

C9 XV Reflections of a Blue~Eclipse New Dawn  X PJ

St: Night Hawk DMCB~Last Oasis Celestial War VII

C9 XVI the Bleeding Edge of Of The Blue~Eclipse the Awakened Spirit  X PJ

St: Night Hawk DMCB~Last Oasis Celestial Sentry VIII

St: Night Hawk DMCB~Last Oasis Celestial Sentry IX

St: Night Hawk DMCB~Last Oasis Celestial Sentry X

St: Night Hawk DMCB~Last Oasis Celestial Sentry PJ

C9 XVII the Bleeding Edge of Of The Blue~Eclipse the Awakened Spirit  XI PJ

Reflections: Blue Eclipse Edge of the Soul PJ

Reflections: Blue Eclipse Edge of the Soul II

C9 XVIII Reflections of a Blue~Eclipse New Dawn  IX II

Reflections: Blue Eclipse Guardian’s Fury PJ

C9 XX Reflections of a Blue~Eclipse New Dawn  VIII III

Reflections: Blue Eclipse Guardian’s Penance PJ

C9 XXI Reflections of a Blue~Eclipse New Dawn  VII IV

Reflections: Blue Eclipse Guardian’s Journey PJ

C9 XXII the Bleeding Edge of Of The Blue~Eclipse the Awakened Spirit  XIII PJ

Reflections: Blue Eclipse Guardian’s Lament PJ

C9 XXIII Reflections of a Blue~Eclipse

New Dawn  VI V Reflections: Blue Eclipse Guardian’s Prayer PJ

C9 XXIV the Bleeding Edge of Of The Blue~Eclipse the Awakened Spirit  XIV PJ

Reflections: Of Peace PJ

C9 XXV Reflections of a Blue~Eclipse New Dawn   V VI

Phoenix Dawn: Of Peace PJ

C9 XXVI Reflections of a Blue~Eclipse New Dawn  IV VII

Phoenix Dawn: Of Peace II

C9 XXVII the Bleeding Edge of Of The Blue~Eclipse

the Awakened Spirit  XV PJ

Phoenix Dawn: Of Peace III

C9 XXVIII Dusk of the tthe Blue~Eclipse Soul of the Throne PJ

Phoenix Dawn: Of Peace IV

Phoenix Dawn PJ

Phoenix Dawn II

C9 XXIX Reflections of a Blue~Eclipse New Dawn  III VIII

Phoenix Dawn: Of Peace V

C9 XXX Reflections of a Blue~Eclipse New Dawn  II IX

Phoenix Dawn: Of Peace VI

C9 XXXI Reflections of a Blue~Eclipse New Dawn  PJ X

Phoenix Dawn: Of Peace VII

Phoenix Dawn PJ

C9 XXXII

Phoenix Dawn: Of Mad Skies

Broken Lines: Of Peace II

Broken Lines: Of Peace III

Summit of Wolves (ST: DMC-Beautiful Silene) IV

Prayers: Of Peace (ST: D.M.C. Prayer) V

Prayers: Of Peace (ST: D.M.C. Prayer) VI

Prayers: Of Peace (ST: D.M.C. Prayer) VII

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C9

XXXVIII

SILENT WALTZ

BEYOND THE

Legacy: Blue Eclipse

GREEN VEIL

PJ

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For a soul that sought a sincere place in the world, Kilik would journey through the wild lands of Ava-Lyan known as Blue Haven, a world beyond the mighty bulwarks that surrounded the five, expansive, kingdoms of Yggdrasil, chasing the breath of the wild to a place of promised providence. And as Kilik moved through the world, he would remember the fierce battle he had with General Xia, and the raw power that had coursed within and through him during the fierce death battle. He had often been driven by the familiar force in power, but those moments had been fleeting, only revealing itself in short spurts, leaving him no true measure of time to ascertain what had occurred and grasp the totality of it, until that ill fated day that came with a saddened loss of a beloved brother, Tarin, but ascension towards a rebirth, ties completely severed from the Empire of Yggdrasil. And as the weeks passed, he came to harness the Seither, pushing his mind, body, and soul beyond bearable limits through countless hours of training, honing his skills in the utilization of the Force Edge; within the mind’s eye, the young soul would peer upon a golden veil that was the barrier that crossed into greater power, slowly coming to understand the ethereal realm his spirit had traversed and what existed beyond the threshold, and yet, it was a realm he fearfully dreaded.

During his soul search exodus, Kilik would endure three months of constant moving, taking in the purest sights, often ignored by eyes hindered by their own burdens. Kilik would pass through great civilizations, venturing through worlds abound with mystery. Passing through emerald hills, into the sandy beaches that hid aquatic ruins as remnants of the forgotten past protruded from the expanse of the great blue, He would see a world of ancient ruins where marble columns and buildings once stood, now overtaken by lush, enveloping, flora, where it was rumored that an subterranean existence continues to thrive in within the halls of their underground palace. He would trail into a wonderland of mystery through mystic caves, and back onto the green hills where the horizon and sky harmoniously met.

Along the way he had met with different species of races, that were the children of nature’s pure spirit that still could speak to the ethereal matron that willed them into existence known as Aralyan’s; anthropomorphic creature that were among the oldest living upon Naia. Rumored to have been birthed from the positive remnants of the ancient Guardians of Naia, each Aralyan bore an unrivaled wisdom and knowledge of the world because they were whispered to have existed through its many changes of evolution. Seeing the many beautiful wonders of the world, Kilik’s journey would take him to a vast garden inhabited by a rainbow of large mushrooms. And as Kilik wandered through a forest of large mushrooms, shrubs, mallees, hundreds of species of flowers and eucalyptus trees, Kilik would come upon a large koala, standing three meters in height, sitting atop a great mushroom that rivaled the size of twelve meters.

The large koala would give Kilik a smile, waving their hand in a welcoming manner as they casually nibbled on a eucalyptus leaf. Kilik would reply in kind, but was struck with a strange sensation to introduce himself and ask for directions to an uncertain destination. The large furry creature would introduce himself as Lewis Berry Bluegum, and answering the young boy’s questions with an answer, as he remarked, You can call me, BB. So you don’t know where you’re going? Sometimes we go to where the wind takes us, even though where we want to go doesn’t exist yet. I used to live on a small island in the oceanic seas, with a host of my kind, but my home was burned down. I can’t say if it was by some divine order or sanctimonious decree, but it was destiny for it to be that way. For those I had lost, I would cry and cry until my tears formed words in the sand, a secret message that only I was meant to decipher. And because I didn’t have a home, I found myself guided by the wind until I found myself in the Forest of Tall Mushrooms. There was an abundance of my favorite meals, and while there was no one of my kind to share it with I was content.

Kilik would reply, Is there a place you find yourself going to after this?, with the koala remarking, No, because I am home. Sometimes, you know where home is because that is the place your heart quietly yearns for. When the great fires took my home, I feared that I would never eat my favorite meal. And yet, here I am, eating what my heart desires. I just had to listen to it, as absurd as that sounds. The answers are always in front of you, when you take the time to listen with your eyes for them.

Kilik would reply, You sound like an old shaman, my spiritual specialist, I always sought when I was confused about life. Your riddles sound just as strange as he does, but seem to make more sense.

BB would smile, as he replied, Destiny is an interesting thing. Just let the wind take you to the crossroads of fate where the three sights sit at the start of the fork in the road. Listen attentively with what is said, and perhaps you may find what you’re looking for. Destiny cannot be denied, and yet all that is meant to be is not written in stone.

Kilik would only nod his head as if complying to a message from the heavens, as he bid Berry Bluegum, BB, a fond farewell. And as Kilik disappeared from view, Lewis Berry Bluegum would turn their sights skyward and entreat to the heavens with a soft prayer, Millions of my kind has died and my home was burned down. I know that I am not the last one left, but my heart hurts because I miss them so much. And here I am. I wonder: Did I live this long just to pass on that message to that youth with a fiery soul? If so, I’d like to read the secret message like I did in those distant days.

Sincere tears began to fall from Lewis Berry Bluegum’s eyes as his head and arms slowly lowered. Softly releasing the frail grip he had on his leafy, Lewis Berry Bluegum’s breathing would grow still as the rays of the sun rained down on them, as the heaven’s freed the essence kept with, releasing their gentle hold on the creature that has seen the countless centuries of Naia.

A Silent Waltz Beyond the

Veil Legacy: Blue Eclipse

AN OUT WORLD EXODUS

On a journey that had taken him beyond the walls of the Forest of Tall Mushrooms, Kilik found himself himself on the familiar landscape that led to the desert plains of Freya, as a forest that sat at the foot of the mountains that seemingly separated the lands. Kilik knew that if he was to peril the desert, he needed to find resources that existed within the world of trees. As Kilik made his march towards the forest, he would find himself sensing a heinous aura emanating from the forest, and as he neared it he could feel a chilling cold race crawl up his back, a sensation that afflicted him when he sensed the cold touch of death encroaching. Kilik would then see a litany of yellow eyes glowing bright in the shadows of the forest, and knew that primal phantom predators awaited his arrival. He began to see a soft mist pouring from outward of the entrance of the forest and hear soft, indiscriminate, chatter of whispers, as a putrid, unfamiliar, scent he had long known wafted out from the depths of the lush and beautiful green terrain. But Kilik bore no concern, because there was nothing he feared; even in the face of certain death, he was determined to live through it and persevere. Steeling his nerve, Kilik, with a fierce look in his eyes, let his iron will and resolve push him courageously towards the forest, but as his initial step was taken, he would be swept into another existence, where dreams came to those who stood wide awake.

Spirited away into a world enveloped in black haze that filled the ground and white mist that steadily rose upward, Kilik found himself standing before a council of three witches sitting upon floating chairs. Their wild cackles appearing juvenile while their withered faces, caked in makeup, told of the innumerable years they lived, the three witches circled the brave youth whom stood unfazed by their childish theatrics. The three witches began to speak in unison as they laughed in between sentences, asking the young wanderer if he would like to know his future. But Kilik would strongly decline, knowing that a toll would always have to be paid when bargaining with otherworldly beings that lived in dark fantasy. The three witches would continue to circle Kilik, their laughing echoing throughout as they continued their questions in unison.

So we have a question to ask, boy, so don’t fear the price to be paid. We are witches three, and follow destiny as we wait for fate’s plan to be laid. We look to find love and all areas of life, so we ask what love do you hold dear to heart: Is it the love for your child or the love of your kin? Would the blood of your blood be a dry river or has the bonds of brotherhood worn thin? Which should be spared and which should be perished, what cries in your heart that yearns to be cherished?

The three witches rants came clear as a bright sky, as Kilik, with an angry look in his eyes, pondered on the question asked: To choose between a child he did not have, or to choose a brother he had laid to rest. Kilik stood quiet, as if refusing to answer but the three witches continued their wild laughter roaring aloud, dancing delicately in the air while they crashed through the soft clouds, as they waltzed in the white and black mist elegantly and proud. The three witches continued in unison once more, as their chairs ascended and descended, as each scraped the fog filled floor. And yet, Kilik would give a reply without answering their question, as he calmly remarked, I don’t have any kids, but I know that parents would forfeit their own life for their kids. It’s the reason why they work so hard, and it’s the reason why they would sacrifice the finite time given if it meant that their child would live on. It’s like a passing of the baton of life. And I did have a brother, whom I saw as my own child that I want to continue to protect, as he protects me still, and I would put my life on the line for family, so I can only imagine that this fervor desire to protect a kid would be magnified.

And as Kilik looked into the individual eyes of the three witches to see if his answer satisfied, he would see into the eyes of one who hinted of the promise of life yet to be born into the world, as she shared a soft smile with the youth, closing her eyes and giving a faint head nod, letting the youth know that despite he had not answered the question directly, he was a soul that carried pure ambitions. The two witches grew in jovial outrage, as the third would soon follow in mannerisms, as they moved with a heightened speed as they continued to circle Kilik, as their raucous, mocking, shrieks reverberated throughout, piercing the air, as they roared while they giggled, A wise one is here with no sacrifice to spare, but angels and demons do not care for sly rebuttals as their parallel wickedness is a pendulum that swings and shaves wind, sundering all, their actions deemed as fair. But we know your secret, for whom you do care. A soul of two to the left, drowning in sadness abound, whose path is paved in turmoil from the shadows of your plagued past, a soul to right waits for a fated reunion, no hardship to be shown, would have you hasten death and flee quicker, laughing crazily into the heart of the abyss, from this mortal coil.

The three witches began to circle Kilik faster, causing the surrounding mist to make a vortex around him. And as the three witches went further into the sky, so did the mist as Kilik remained unflinching as he sat in the center of the maelstrom. And in the blink of an eye, Kilik found himself back on the grounds, standing betwixt the division of the road: to the right was the forest where sustenance would be found, but plagued by the eerie yellows eyes of wolves, shadow beasts, that hid in the dark, and to the left was the barren path that led directly to Freya. Closing his eyes, Kilik would let the wind be his guide as he knelt to the ground and grabbing a handful of grass.

Kilik would open his eyes and blow away the blades of emerald in his palm, watching as the individual grass shards wafted into the direction of the desert terrain where Freya sat. And without a second thought, took a left in the fork in the road, foregoing the rations that would be desperately needed on the journey ahead to brave hazardous wilderness, with the winds as his guide and the heavens, in all its glory, to shield him from harm. And as Kilik made his march to a valley grass covered hills, he would peer upon the thresholds that separated the lush green from the golden brown on the road to Freya that sat in the far off distance on the horizon, he would gives a deep sigh and smiles to himself in anticipation, as the idea of seeing Farrah filled his thoughts, warming his heart.

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C9

PJ

SILENT WALTZ

BEYOND THE

Legacy: Blue Eclipse

GREEN VEIL

II

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Hunters In The Dark

MORTAL DICTATE

Upon the distant lands of Shatna’s Haven sat Logan, quietly sitting on a large boulder that rested beneath the gentle showers of a small waterfall. His mind adrift in a place of peaceful dreams, Logan had always frequented this particular area of this island paradise he called home to find a semblance of respite, a sincere peace that existed within peace, while showered in the calming cascade of water, as he became one with the serene environment that surround him. But as a passing breeze carried a message of an encroaching calamity, Logan’s thoughts were thrown into disarray as he began to envision, in vivid imagery, the stark illusions of a past he struggled for years to forget.

In the days of his childhood, Logan began to remember the days when he stood within the walls of the Cathedral of Naia amongst the proud and noble Sages of this forgotten realm. He soon began to remember the day when chaos struck his home, marking the day that he and four others were chosen to become bearers of five celestial relics that would preserve the memory and legacy of the ancient temple that stood since the dawn of time. But a silent darkness had crept and consumed a young Logan, filling him with an unrequited rage that pushed him towards a maddening state of vile hatred, leaving him with one desire and that was to seek revenge against those that savagely decimated his home without mercy. As the vivid imagery violently shifted, all Logan could remember was a vehement maelstrom of carnage and bloodshed he spearheaded, followed by many young Sages that shared in his ambition as they cut a deadly swath through those affiliated to the demonic abominations that laid waste to his homeland. He would remember encountering the horde’s fiendish leader, battling it in a fierce duel to the death and slaying the devilish beast by taking its head as reward.

With a quest for vengeance quenched, Logan would proudly return to the grounds his clan had made their home only to find those he sought retribution for ravaged beyond recognition. Peering upon a seemingly endless valley of his dead peers, a young Logan was moved to tears and heartbreak, seeing all that he fought was in sheer vain. He and his group of followers buried the remains of those they loved. With all that he knew forever gone, Logan had become a soul lost by whims of cruel and unforgiving world. With nothing worth fighting for, Logan would quietly part ways from those he shared a special bond with and embark on an empty journey, becoming a lost wanderer that aimlessly roamed the stretched lands of Naia.

Breaking away from his trance as if waking from a nightmare, Logan, breathing heavily, erratically searched his surroundings. Gathering the nerve to pull himself together, Logan would quickly gain his composure and rise to his feet, leaping from the boulder he sat upon and unto drier lands. Slowing his breath, Logan began to close his eyes once more, taking a meditative stance as he began to chant quietly to himself. His left hand over his heart and right arm stretched out, palm facing upward, a cadent red sphere of light revealed itself, hovering gracefully over Logan’s right hand. Logan continued his chants, forcing the ball of light to split apart into several pieces.

With a soft blow from his breath, the shards of light scattered from Logan’s hand and raced into the heavens, dispersed into the sky like streaks of shooting stars, leaving only two small scintillate spheres behind. The three small pieces of light began fade from sight, absorbing themselves back into Logan’s body, as he slowly opened his eyes. As if a piece of his soul had been torn away from him, Logan clutched his chest in pain as he violently coughed patches of blood to the ground. Wiping away the stream of blood that raced pass his lips, Logan forced himself to push pass the pain wrecking his core, and made his way back to his humble hovel where Nello diligently trained. Logan had always known that dreams always carried a secret message yet to be deciphered. And with the passing of an ominous wind, Logan knew he had to prepare his young pupil for a journey that would force them from their island home, and into a world only hinted to in tales.

Upon distant shores, an elder standing on the balcony of a castle mansion fixed to the side of a great, snowcapped, mountain that appeared as a large dragon, frozen in time, surrounded by a sea of white mist at the precipice of the floating island would watch as crimson stars scraped across the blue, twilight sky, crash landing in the far off regions of the world. The elder would watch as one of the stars shot in her direction. But before the star could make detrimental impact, the elder effortlessly caught the star with the tips of her fingers, staving off a cataclysmic impact that would have threatened her floating island home. Casually placing the star in her pocket, the elder would continue to watch the heavens, finding solace in the mysteries that littered the universe.

Hunters In The Dark

MORTAL DICTATE

The dawn had come, and with it came the promise of a new day. Logan stood on the sandy beaches of Shatna’s Haven with his back turned from his young pupil, as Nello peered into the vast seas that would mark his first steps into the unknown world of Naia. As Logan looked to the sky, entreating to the heavens that the young boy remain stalwart in the harsh trials that life would bring, the old hermit turned to the boy and knelt on a single knee before him. Stretching out his arms, Logan’s hands began to glow with a soft blue aura as a sphere of red light slowly appeared from his chest, and twin blades materialized in his hands. Logan would explain to the perplexed youth that the ball of light he bore witness to was the flame that helped birthed the world of Naia; it was a mysterious relic with unnatural powers, but more so a sacred piece to a grander legacy.

Logan did not have to explain to the young boy the full history of what their eyes were laying on because it was no secret to them that their father figure and mentor was in possession of one of the Esphalian Stones due to the countless stories he had heard from old hermit while the twin blades he possessed were treasures, coursing with mystic properties that allowed it to take on the form of any weapon that matched the user’s soul, were items that he accidently came upon in his many journeys; uncertain of their origins, Logan would only surmise that they belonged to powerful dragon hunters in the days of old. The red sphere of light began to circle around the youth in a playful manner until floating whimsically before him like a firefly hovering in place. Nello would welcome in the light, carefully cupping it in his open palms, and pressed it into his chest. Nello would close his eyes, and give a deep sigh of compassion, as the cadent flames of scarlet light absorbed itself into the youth as his body radiated with a soft, azure and gold, aura.

His eyes bursting with rejuvenation and jubilation, Nello would jump up and down in delight, overjoyed by the sheer notion that he had become possessor of a legendary artifact that had transcended history, and was part of a cherished legacy of an old order, but more so he would feel the blessings of the holy light flow freely through him, adding more kindling to his sparkling, pure, spirit; forever at his side, the heavenly flame of light would be the guiding source that would lead Nello when the path ahead seemed unclear, while also bringing a means of comfort because it would be as if Logan would be always with them, quietly sharing in the adventures that would be embarked on. Logan then rose to his feet, and placed the twin blades together. The blades began to radiate with an azure hue, and in a burst of blinding brilliance disappeared from sight, forming into a floating ball of blue light that floated in Logan’s hand. Logan then passed on the floating orb to Nello, and once the boy touched it, the light formed into a bo staff. Logan then told Nello that the weapon he possessed could be summoned at will, and with further practice could take the shape of any weapon he desired. With a proud look in his eyes, Logan would reflect on distant memories that appeared clear and prominent, as if replaying out each intricate scene before his eyes.

A Waltz Beyond the Veil

It was a time upon a time that now lived as a memory behind a memory. And while only a memory, it was a time that was sacred and momentous. Only a memory, it was a time that refused to be forgotten. It was a time that marked a compelled change. It was a time where the fork in the road of destiny was in plain sight. With memories of the dark road trailed now left behind, continuing on the same malicious path had promised a sense of prosperity for foundations on the foundations of tyranny and fear with those aligned at the side of one that spearheaded a shared singular purpose, but at the sacrificial cost of the soul. On the other, to tread upon a new path that only offered sheer solidarity, a means of redemption and salvation but nothing more had brought on a dire dilemma that promised its own means of conflict and regret. To lead numbered countless on a savage and bloodied path on the road to conquest, or to live a life of repent alone were the questions that plagued a soul torn by the tragedies of their past, as they peered into the unfathomable depths of an unknown future; gratification would come from either path taken, as both would be bitter-sweet.

Sitting alone in the vivid green valleys of a far-off land under the crisp azure night sky, Logan was embroiled in a fierce tempest in his thoughts. Past memories of his first steps from beyond the temple walls had caused a severe rift in the deep bonds of friendship that could not be mended despite the desperate attempt. Holding a floating ball of crimson light cupped in his hands, Logan peered upon the splendor of a relic from his past, still remembering the promise he made to safeguard the Esphalian Stone of Fire. All that remained of his cherished childhood sat in his palm, as he became weighed by the decisions that forced sincere emotional tears to streak down his cheeks.

Logan’s attentions were soon drawn upon a falling bright blue flake of light that gracefully fell from the azure night sky right in front of him. Once the small blue light landed before him, Logan was blinded by a sudden burst of brilliance as the light had formed into a glowing blade embedded in the ground. Gazing upon it with great intrigue, Logan closed his hands together, causing the red flaming gem in his possession to be extinguished, as he began to rise to his feet. Cautiously nearing the blade, Logan grasped the blade at its hilt, but once he pulled it from the ground the azure glowing blade burst into a spray of sparks, vanishing from sight. Only thinking it a figment of his depressed dreams, Logan thought of the blade in his hands he had held for a brief second, but as he did the blade had reappeared in his possession, bonded to him but only summoned when beckoned.

Logan soon became lost in a whirlwind of confusion, but soon as his thoughts drifted the light of blade began to dim and fade into obscurity. Logan quickly fixed his full focus on the blade causing it to erupt in a blue blazing light. His eyes transfixed on the mystic weapon he held, Logan clutched the hand the held the blade, causing it burst in a spray of sparks as the dispersed embers of azure light fluttered around him until fading from sight. Logan quickly came to understood that a strong will would keep the light of the blade that was in his possession burning bright, only mirroring the inner strength of a soul it bonded to while a weaker soul would be incapable of tapping into its full potential. Logan sat back down and into a meditative state, realizing that he had been beckoned towards a greater purpose. Looking towards the night sky, Logan took a deep sigh and closed his eyes to calm his anxiety ridden thoughts to quell the chaos that brewed within, and find an answer to the road he was called upon. Only a memory, it was a time that was sacred and momentous. Only a memory, it was a time that refused to be forgotten. It was a time that marked a compelled change.

In time, Logan would shrug off the condemning sins of his past, and forge a new path that would satisfy the bestial wrath within him while finding a form of repentance. In an era where foul monsters incessantly ravaged the innocent, Logan would become the roaming beast that hunted the beasts that preyed upon those that could not fend for themselves. And in time, Logan would be carried into an old age, as he would become a legendary monster hunter until his famed heroism and adventures would lead him to the fateful day came that gave clarity to the trials he had endured when he stood atop a snowcapped mountain, peering upon the prestige of the surrounding plains while cradling an infant child in his arms.

A Waltz Beyond the Veil

His would stand lost in time for only a brief moment, returning the old hermit to the present, that ws the here and now. With a pleased look in his eyes, Logan watched as Nello began manipulate the weapon he possessed, having it disappear and reappear in his hands. Logan became reminded of his childhood days when he first laid his hands on the first weapon he possessed and the thrilling sensation of unnerving power felt, forcing a concerned look on his face. With the special gifts given, Logan, waving his hand in a circular motion, began to conjure a nimbus clouds that formed beneath the youth’s feet, lifting Nello carefully into the air. Logan told the boy that the unique cloud was a special transport that would be at his beckoning call, and carry him to where ever his heart desired. Nello gave Logan an ecstatic stare of sheer joy, thanking his mentor as he leaped from the nimbus cloud, and reached out to the old hermit. Arms wide open, Nello would himself around Logan’s neck as both gave each other a hug of love; an unmistakable love shared between a child and parent. But before each would bid heartfelt farewells, Logan told Nello that he was to find several shards of light, remnants of the Esphalian Stones scattered throughout Naia, and once the task was done that he was to take heed to the messages secreted in the breath of the wild.

Logan would then watch as Nello, astride the nimbus cloud, raced off across the vast open seas, and into a world of adventure. Filled with a sense of sorrow, Logan watched as the young boy disappeared into the horizon, knowing that it would be last time he would see them, but still he was proud to see him stand on their own, destined to become whomever they desired to be in a world that was shared by all. For a parent to see their child off into the unknown perils of the world, it is a frightening and pleasant occurrence that would only come once a lifetime. Looking into the skies, Logan would hold back the stirring emotions within and casually make his way back to small hovel deep within Shatna’s Haven. But in the instant he had taken his first steps towards the secluded place he had called home, it would be then that Logan would suddenly turn around to face the skies as if struck with a stark revelation, and would witness an airship breach the clouds as it casted a large, eclipsing, shadow over where the old hermit stood.

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C9

II

SILENT WALTZ

BEYOND THE

Legacy: Blue Eclipse

GREEN VEIL

III

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A Talk Through Dreams

Legacy: Blue Eclipse

A TALK AMONGST FRIENDS

On a night before a fated day of reunion, two souls that once shared a sincere friendship once upon some time ago, the monarch of Yggdrasil King Shinra Odane and the vagabond hermit Logan, would sit quietly by a brightly burning fire that seemed to rival the scintillate stars scattered across the beauty of the night sky. An unmistakable calm gently swept across the lands, causing the campfire to gracefully sway to the rhythmic flow of the peace bringing breeze. It was in this moment of peace that Shinra, unable to turn his gaze from the mesmerizing flames, gave a deep sigh and spoke, It has been ages since we last seen each other, old friend, but no matter how time takes its toll, you still look the same as I remember you to be. Maybe it’s nostalgia keeping that memory of your youthful self standing prominent, and proud.

With his eyes fixed to the boundless and beautiful skies as if looking for an answer to a question he had asked himself, Logan would only reply, The years that pass only hopes to elevate us as we grow. I had arisen from a dark place because of it. In theory, I grew wiser because of it. Always reflecting on my past, learning from my mistakes with hopes of a more discernable future. It even led me to conclude that we would meet again someday, an inevitably always expected, but the time and place was never clear to me. And yet, here you stand on the far away island I made my home.

Shinra, eyes fixed on the flames, calmly replied, Home?…I see…It always seems that as souls, we chose the place we desire to die. You stayed tucked away here on this deserted little island, hidden from the rest of the world, biding your time and waiting to die. Rotting away in your ‘secluded paradise’, it seems like a piece of you has already perished. This isn’t what I expected when I came here. I expected greater, I wanted more from you. It’s as if you purposely took the fun out of it before it would commence.

Logan, eyes fixed to the dark skies calmly stated, I would often think if I stood a monster or a victim, but it cannot be denied that I was shackled to the same circumstance that brought me that truthful conclusion. And it seems like time has not allowed you to yield on your hatred aimed towards me, and yet I do not fault you. In truth, I’m not in the least surprised, and I foresaw it coming, especially by your hands. I applaud your tireless ambitions towards your dreams. With nothing handed to you, alone you managed to raise and govern a nation, and usher its people into an age of prosperity that would only come once in their lifetime. And still, you will not rest until you have seen your goals, no matter the size of it, accomplished within this lifetime. I envy you for that, Shinra.

Shinra, slightly vexed, would, coldly state, You say ‘monster’ or ‘victim’? I did what you couldn’t by having the Gold Fangs of the Godly Celestial Dragons, those that played a part in bringing ruin to our home and kind, eliminated. The one that orchestrated this crime still hides from me, eluding my grasp but I’d make sure that each of his fodder faced utter decimation in the dark, while only sparing those I deemed substantially necessary to my cause, patiently waiting when I would bring the hammer down on their fate. It was that simple, and yet not so easy. So you say ‘monster’, ‘victim’, or whatever you like to make yourself feel better. This is what I know: I do not like the look of how I’m viewing you right now. Begging does not suit you well. It only brings you down to a level not even worth being urinated on by the most rabid and disheveled beasts that aimlessly wander this precious world.

Casting a faint smile, Logan would only reply, "I’m not begging, old friend. I only want to pay proper respects and praise your efforts. You have grown much, far from the youthful wide-eyed and eager novice I used to know. And besides, death is only an illusion. Those that see the true way will be given the knowledge to pass into the next life, living eternal as something greater despite being forgotten even by the annals of time. So only see my gesture as a positive one, because I was only giving an old friend a compliment for their accomplishments. And still, despite your countless contributions you still do not